Sprucing up the cooking drama this October- Amul presents MasterChef India

Media News

Mumbai, October 12, 2010

A necessity or a luxury, what we eat in our daily lives has turned around from something edible to 'delicacies' over the centuries. So as we sit back to enjoy some delicious recipes, its necessary for us to dig deep into the reasons for the special flavor we get from them. Right from the early days, when the word food merely meant heating up a dead animal or boiling the raw fruits and vegetables before consumption, the word has developed and re-developed and has now become a culture, a tradition and most importantly an art for the cook. Just like any other art, this one is reinvented each time by a new artist around the world. With cuisines ranging from Mexican to Italian to Indian and Lebanese, all we need is a good chef. Taking into consideration the seriousness of this knack of cooking experience worldwide, right from the most secluded house where the artist is the woman of the house to the delights from the chefs of the best hotels in the world, Star Plus takes this opportunity to bring this art into every kitchen this October, with the launch of Amul presents MasterChef India.

MasterChef India is the first of its kind reality show that promises to offer a high voltage drama, nail-biting tension and fun filled culinary tour. The contender who will be able to stand strong with his / her will & talent, through the mounting pressure each week, will be adjudged as India's first ever - 'MasterChef'. The only reality show that recognizes 'cooking as a talent', MasterChef India provides a unique platform to acknowledge and encourage the culinary skills of a common man in a country where reality shows have been known to recognize & reward talents like singing, dancing, and performing arts only.

The show provides a unique platform that tests culinary skills of 12 passionate cooks putting them under immense time pressure; testing their ability to innovate & outdo each other to move to the next level. It grooms them to become the ultimate professionals of the art. 'Master Chef India' has interesting format that showcase that 'Great cooking not only leas to great food but also great drama'. The show will be packed with emotions, excitement and cut throat competition, which will keep the viewers at the edge of their seats.

Hosted and judged by Bollywood's reigning superstar Akshay Kumar, MasterChef India will reveal a completely different side of the star as appose to what the viewers have seen in the past. Alongside judging, Akshay Kumar will be seen sharing the cooking tricks and his experience from his past as a chef. When quizzed about his tryst with cooking and his old days, Akshay says, "When I went to Bangkok some two decades ago to learn martial arts, I had to work to earn a living and the only job available was that of a cook. I took the job; I didn't know how to cook then. But eventually I started enjoying it and started experimenting. The show MasterChef Inida has obviously taken me back to my roots. This is why MastarChef India means so much to me; I see the same passion I once had for cooking in the eyes of all these contestants… Cooking for me now isn't a necessity, it's a pleasure, but on this show they are cooking for their lives and for their families, it's beautiful"

Returning to television in a different avatar this time Akshay confesses that Amul presents MasterChef India combines two of his favorite activities - 'Cooking and Camera' and it is no way could he have missed this opportunity. As the show is all set to hit television, Akshay is busy with not only being a host and judge but also a great mentor to the contestants. He is gearing up to take the participants through the toughest and the most unimaginable culinary challenges. As Akshay Kumar says, "Amul presents MasterChef India is not merely a test of cooking skills, but a test of character with the regular spices scattered all over their minds and dishes. The format of the show will showcase amateur cooks blooming into chefs, unique recipes, and nail-biting tension that will increase viewer's appetite for more entertainment and an engaging cooking experience."

Helping Akshay in the judging department at Amul presents MasterChef India will be India's most sought after and world famous Chefs - Ajay Chopra and Kunal Kapoor, who have mastered the art of cooking and have great ambitions to take the Indian cuisine to another level of popularity. While Ajay Chopra has had a great deal of experience as a chef and is known for his unique techniques and creativity in his work, Kunal Kapur is a perfect fit with his proficiency in serving his patrons with the best and the most delightful flavours of Indian and international cuisines.

Reiterating its new brand promise of 'Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi', with Master Chef India, Star Plus taps the cooking talent of Indians, giving them hope that 'the most routine of their activities(cooking)' is a great art & can lead them to unprecedented stardom. With this Nayi Soch, Star Plus along with Akshay Kumar throws open an all-new arena of kitchen drama by venturing into the reality genre, on a never seen before scale by any Hindi entertainment channel so far.

While our kitchens crave for a new aroma of dishes, it's time to increase our appetite for entertainment and tune-in Amul presents MasterChef India this Oct 16, 9 pm with tub of popcorn in one hand and a pen and a paper in another.

Get set to get hit by the biggest reality show on the Indian Television, Amul presents MasterChef India starting 16th October, Sat-Sun, 9 pm only on Star Plus!

For further information, please contact:

STAR TV

Ekta Shah

Tel: +91-22-6722-8294

Email: ekta.shah@startv.com